Utica, NY (WIBX) - We were told it would be the biggest storm of the season. A real monster.

Well, it wasn't that bad, was it?

Forecasters predicted upto 18 inches of snow in some parts of the Mohawk Valley. Let's be honest, it's happened before. Weather forecasting isn't an exact science and there are many factors that can impact what is expected and what actually lands on the ground.

So, why didn't central New York get 18 inches of snow this time?

Meteorologist Jennifer Narramore at the Weather Channel says part of the reason is a 'pocket' of dry air that moved in central New York as the big storm was moving in. That 'hindered' some of the storm, she said. 

"Also, we had reports of more of a sleet-freezing rain mix in some locations, and that brought the snow totals down. Sleet is more dense and doesn't accumulate as quickly as snow."

That being said, we are still getting a workout from shoveling, snowblowing, plowing and pushing our cars out of the driveway from the snow we did get.

According to the National Weather Service, Boonville saw 6.7 inches of snow between noon Tuesday and noon Wednesday. Rome was just shy of 5 inches.

In Herkimer County, in that same window of time, 9 inches fell in Old Forge. Fairfield received 7 inches.

And, remember, February has just begun. There's still plenty of winter left, regardless of what the groundhog said. (Isn't that a slap in the face of a meteorologist?..."We're gonna ask the groundhog on this one.")

Narramore says there is a coastal system that could bring a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow this weekend. Punxsutawney Phil failed to mention that while making his predictions today.

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